Who was Hong Kong returned to?

A “call and response” via Huang Yilong:

Who was Hong Kong returned to? (a call-and-response essay)

Call: In the present world, a united country should at least allow freedom of movement for the people within its borders, and freedom of circulation for printed material and radio & TV. If even a “quasi-nation” like the European Union has accomplished the free flow of information, the free movement of people, the free circulation of printed material and radio & TV, then why not a true nation! But this is something that cannot be done for Hong Kong and the mainland. All of this – can Hong Kong truly be said to have returned? Has it really become a part of the People’s Republic of China?

— Zhang Yunruo, Hong Kong – has it really returned?, 2007.6.18

Response: What Mr. Zhang discusses is just one part; allow me to add a second:

Hong Kong has indeed returned, it has returned to those who see it as their own backyard – the rich dudes who go back and forth practically every day. Officials like Liu Jinbao, and certain princelings and maidens. There, their every wish is granted and they do what they please – such comfort! A few newspapers, a couple books – what does that matter?

So perhaps Mr. Zhang’s true question should be: Hong Kong – to whom has it returned?

— Huang Yilong, 7.1